How to Prepare for an International Move Without Stress

Prepare for an international move by starting early, organising your documents and finances, and booking reliable movers well ahead of departure. While breaking everything into easy steps makes the whole process less stressful, you have to know exactly what to manage first in that list. 

At Goofer Man, we’ve helped many Australian families deal with international relocations since 2012. So we understand what makes overseas moves run smoothly.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

• When to start planning your international move
• How to prepare documents, finances, and logistics without stress
• Things to do in your first week overseas
• Tips for managing family stress during the transition

Ready? Let’s begin.

When Should You Start Planning an International Move?

It’s best to start planning your international move at least three to six months before your departure date. This timeline gives you enough room to handle visa applications and book reliable moving services. You can also organise your belongings without last-minute panic during this time.

We’ll now explain the time and the whole process.

Start Your Timeline Early

The moment you know you’re relocating overseas, grab a notebook and start planning your next few months. We’ll share a simple three-month strategy with you here.

In your first month, you need to focus on the most important things, like passports, visas, and choosing your moving company. Since peak moving season runs from November to January in Australia, movers book out fast during these months (honestly, quality schedules fill first).

But if you start early, you’ll have plenty of options. We recommend reserving the second month for the medical appointments. You should request your family’s medical records from your General Practitioner (GP), book any required vaccinations, and schedule final check-ups.

Keep in mind that some countries won’t let you in without specific jabs, so don’t skip this step.

During your final month just before departure, pack your things and say goodbye to your family and friends. Also, don’t forget to cancel the subscriptions you won’t need overseas.

Pro tip: Photograph valuable items before packing so you have proof of condition for insurance or customs queries.

Book International Movers Eight to Twelve Weeks Ahead

International moving companies often book up months in advance, especially during busy times of the year. That’s why it’s a good idea to start contacting a moving company about eight to twelve weeks before your move.

And when you ask for quotes, instead of just looking at the price, find out what additional services are included. For example, some companies help with packing, and some others take care of customs paperwork. Some movers even offer storage if your new place isn’t ready yet.

Now, if you want to make a fair comparison and avoid surprises later, try to get at least three quotes. This way, you can clearly see what each option includes and plan with a more realistic budget.

And lastly, booking early gives you enough time to read reviews and properly check the company’s credentials. This makes it easier to choose a mover you can trust, rather than rushing into a decision at the last minute.

Once you’re confident in your choice, the next step is to lock in your dates and make sure everything is clearly written into the agreement. Paying a deposit then secures your booking and, more importantly, helps you avoid overspending.

How Do You Prepare for an International Move Without Stress?

To prepare for your international move, start by organising your important documents and deciding which items you will ship. At the same time, it helps to set up your finances early so there are no last-minute issues.

Here’s what you need to address before the departure day:

• Passport and Visa Requirements: Your passport must have at least six months’ validity beyond your moving date, and visa processing can drag on for eight to twelve weeks. So, start gathering documents like birth certificates and proof of employment as soon as possible.
• Medical Records and Vaccinations: Talk to your GP at least two months ahead of departure to request medical records. Some countries won’t let you in without specific vaccinations, and getting those records processed takes longer than you’d think.
• Deciding What to Ship: Everyone struggles with what they should ship. Here’s a technique: calculate what it costs to replace something in your new location versus paying to ship it. For instance, a $2,000 dining table might cost $400 to ship but $3,500 to buy new overseas. That means it’s worth shipping.
• Moving Insurance: Basic mover insurance often doesn’t cover valuable belongings. Since water damage is common with sea freight, check your policy carefully. Make sure certain items, including sensitive equipment like electronics and family heirlooms, have extra protection.
• International Banking: Don’t forget to give your bank a heads-up about your move. Otherwise, they’ll block your cards the moment you try using them overseas. As a solution, multi-currency accounts can make payments easier and support a smooth transition while you’re managing money in two countries.
• Housing Research: Many people don’t know that rental laws overseas can be very different from those in Australia. So, you should never send money for a property you haven’t seen or checked through someone you trust. To stay safe, visit expat Facebook groups for finding real rentals and honest advice.
• Customs Paperwork: Since every country bans certain items, things like food, some office equipment, or specific plants can delay or even stop your shipment. That’s why we recommend preparing a detailed inventory with clear descriptions and values. Your moving company can also help with customs forms, so use their guidance.
• Managing Family Stress: A big benefit of involving your kids is that it helps them feel more comfortable with the move. Let them help decide what to bring and what to leave behind. Also, pack their favourite toys or blankets in carry-on bags.

With this right groundwork in place, your move becomes the start of a positive new chapter rather than a stressful scramble.

What Should You Do in Your First Week Overseas?

Register with local authorities within the first seven days and set up essential services as soon as you arrive. This early admin work helps things run more smoothly. It also means you can spend less time on paperwork and focus more on enjoying your new home in a new country.

Let’s get into more detail about exactly how to complete this office work.

Register With Local Authorities

Most countries give you about seven days to register at the local government office. If you miss that window, it can lead to fines or bigger problems later, so you shouldn’t delay for any reason.

Fortunately, the whole process usually takes just an hour or two. However, without this registration, you can’t open a bank account, buy a phone plan, or get any access to healthcare (seriously, you don’t want to face this situation).

What’s more, when you go to the office, you must take your passport, visa, proof of address, and lease agreements. And remember to book an appointment online before you arrive, since walk-ins often result in long waits.

Essential Setup and Getting Your Bearings

Setting up utilities, internet, and mobile services early makes settling in much easier. You’ll need it for everything, including finding the nearest GP and calling home.

Speaking of GPs, register with one now instead of when someone is actually sick. The last thing you want is to be Googling doctors at midnight with a feverish kid. So look for a local clinic and get your family signed up early. 

Last but not least, spend some time walking around your neighbourhood. Find out where the nearest supermarket is, which pharmacy stays open late, and how the buses run. As you explore, the area will start to feel more familiar.

Stopping at a local cafe or chatting with a neighbour can also help you settle in more comfortably.

Useful tip: Change your phone region settings early. This way, apps will show local services, prices, and emergency numbers correctly.

Moving Forward With Your International Relocation

The preparation for an international move can be hectic. But after reading our guide, you should now know that starting three to six months early gives you enough time to sort visas, book reliable movers, and organise your belongings without rushing.

Still, you don’t have to do everything by yourself. We here at Goofer Man have been helping Australian families relocate internationally for more than a decade now. Contact us today for a free quote on your international move.